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About

About

A hackerspace is about something more than just enthusiasm for technological tools and toys. It’s about passionate curiosity about technology, how it works, how you might build your own, and how it could be improved. About sharing that passion with like-minded others.
NESIT hackerspace is a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization located in Meriden, CT that helps the public encourage and promote this philosophy.

Mission

NESIT’s specific charitable and educational mission is to create, educate, and foster learning in the fields of computer, information and communications technology, wood working, metal working, and other disciplines while exploring the benefits of productivity through volunteer collaboration.

Specific goals include:

– Providing education, training and services to Members of NESIT and members of the public

– Developing the skills of NESIT members and community participants in the use, maintenance and preservation of information technology software and hardware through hands-on training, teaching and collaborative building and design projects

– Providing refurbished equipment to public institutions and charitable organizations, thereby improving access to technology and lessening the burdens on government

– Benefiting the community by improving participants’ understanding of security issues related to the use of information technology, and teaching techniques for safely managing personal information and sensitive data

Our Story

NESIT was founded in early 2010 by a group five friends who were looking to build out a physical workspace where we could create things (like a linux wet bar), experiment with HAM radio & network equipment, share and build knowledge in information security, participate in community charitable work and have a fun place to hang out.

We witnessed the explosion of the hackerspace movement first-hand at HOPE (Hackers On Planet Earth), by following the work of the Chaos Computer Club, and by talking with and watching the lectures of Mitch Altman. So we decided that we would use hackerspace model design patterns (specifically those of our friends at Noisebridge & Alpha One Labs ) to build and govern our organization. By early June we finalized our incorporation and by July had located a large industrial space which was within our means and central to everyone.

Currently we have about 25 members, hundreds of supporters and a massive workshop in which we’re able to further our mission. We run activities of some type at least three days per week, and have seen steady growth in membership since day one.

None of this would be possible without the generous donations we have received and the supreme dedication of our members. We welcome all to visit us during our open ours so we can show you first hand what we are about!